Tours for Exploring DC's Neighborhoods

Beyond the notable landmarks of the city, Washington, DC has several distinctive neighborhoods, each with its own flavor and personality. To fully experience this other side of the District, several guided tours are offered year-round and give visitors a taste of how the locals live.

DC Metro Food Tours gives visitors the opportunity to sample the inherent cuisine of each neighborhood through a progressive dining experience. From U Street and Capitol Hill to Georgetown and Dupont Circle, visitors sample four to five dishes at as many restaurants, which represent that particular area. Along the way, they learn all about the history and hear stories unique to that neighborhood.

Washington Walks offers two-hour themed walking tours through Georgetown and Dupont Circle. Additionally, visitors can experience a tour of DC’s most haunted houses or walk the monuments by moonlight. Every Saturday morning, Washington Walks offers a free walk that highlights a neighborhood, historic site or even a shopping district.

Outfitted with a number of knowledgable, witty tour guides, DC by Foot specializes in a range of various tours for any budget. From National Mall and ghost tours to excursions built around food and photography, these tours and its expert guides accommodate experiences for all. The dedicated team of guides are full of personality and all of the facts needed to make for an unforgettable experience.

Sit back, relax and enjoy views of the city from the open top of a double decker bus. The Big Bus Tours is a great way to become familiar with the city and see as much of it as possible in a short amount of time. Visitors can hop on and hop off at 50 different stops along four different routes. Along the way, they enjoy live and recorded commentary of significant and historical sites. Tickets are good for 24 hours.

Old Town Trolley Tours has been conducting tours in Washington, DC for more than 30 years. This orange and green trolley entertains its riders with humorous stories and fascinating trivia as it travels to 20 different stops along three different routes. Old Town Trolley also operates 90-minute DC Duck Tours from Union Station. DC Duck is part bus and part boat, traveling across the National Mall and into the Potomac River for a truly unique experience.

Entertainment Cruises offers seasonal excursions to Mount Vernon Estate, Museum and Gardens, the home of President George Washington. The Spirit Cruise departs from DC’s Southwest Waterfront and includes a narrated riverfront tour and discounted admission to Mount Vernon. One way excursions and 40-minute turn-around cruises are also available.